"You always want to do better and improve, but if you play 81 games and score 50 goals it's a good rate."

Van Persie was a subject of criticism after a lacklustre start to the season but delivered the perfect response by scoring his second goal in two games.

The Dutchman's future was in doubt after the appointment of Wayne Rooney as the captain of the club and the loan signing of Colombian superstar striker Radamel Falcao.

The former Arsenal man made a statement of intent to his striking partners. But rather than dwelling on his personal achievement, Van Persie pointed out how important the three points were against West Ham United after last week's disappointing defeat against Leicester City FC.

“It was absolutely vital to get the three points for everyone’s belief and the fans’ belief.

“They were right behind us and were absolutely great."

Van Persie played down Wayne Rooney's 59th minute red card, after a wild kick on Stewart Downing, and insisted that the team did well to earn the victory.

“I thought we played really well in the first half, but in the second it was a completely different game because of the red card," added Van Persie.

“At times it was a bit nerve-wracking but we did ever so well and everyone fought really hard.

“It was a bit frustrating to concede a goal when we did because in that period in the game the only way they looked like scoring was from a set-piece and it happened, just before half-time.

“That was a bad moment for us, but I think we did really in the end to win this game.

“For everyone involved with Manchester United I think this is about more than just the three points.”

United's Dutch heroes

Van Persie is not the first Dutch striker to grace the Old Trafford pitch. Ruud Van Nistelrooy played six seasons for United, scoring 150 goals in 2019 appearances averaging 30 goals a season. The current assistant manager of the Dutch national team is often regarded as the most prolific striker the club has ever seen.

Van Persie has revealed how the Dutch legend has been helping him stay sharp in front of the goal.

“If there is anyone in this football world who can still teach me stuff, than it is strikers of the calibre of Ruud [Van Nistelrooy] or Patrick Kluivert,” said Van Persie.

“Ruud points out vital details of the art of finishing.

"With Holland, I missed a chance against Italy on Friday night. He had noticed in the slow motion of the video that my shoulders were not pointing exactly towards the goal when I took the ball in a volley from the corner of the box.

“He was dead right. The ball was doing what my body was guiding to do.

"Next time I have to get that detail right again.’’

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